Wow...thank you all so much for your kind words.
Next!
Chapter 2 – Living the Hectic LifeIf I had to describe my life using just one word, it would be this: hectic.
Six people live in this house: Two parents, four kids, ages seventeen (me), thirteen, twelve, and nine. all with different activities, all with different schedules. The house is pretty much on the go 18 hours a day, and with both of my parents working full time the four of us are usually left to fend for ourselves for the most part.
I suppose it's not so bad once you get used to it. One thing I will say though—it's never dull in the Bunch household.
Ethan Bunch, at your service.
Yeah, that goofy looking guy is me. Dad has been bugging me to get a haircut, but I don't really have the time. Besides, I think I kind of like it longer.
I'm a senior in high school now, just shy of five months away from graduation. One would think that, being this close to graduation, I would have some semblance of an idea of what I want to do with the rest of my life. Everyone has their opinion. Dad thinks I should go into professional sports, Mom wants me to tackle the sciences, and most of my teachers seem to think that I would be good in politics. Honestly, none of those choices really appeal to me.
I just don't know.
All that I know is that I can't wait to graduate and get the heck out of here. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore my family, but it's gotten to the point where there's too many people and not enough house.
Speaking of which, I should probably introduce you to the rest of the bunch (pun intended). These are my parents, Jack and Judy. Dad is a career military man and sports enthusiast (he's a walking encyclopedia for baseball stats) and Mom works at the science lab in town.
I'm really proud of Mom, actually. She has lost over a hundred pounds in the last year and is looking fantastic for her age. Her success inspired Dad to shape things up, and just recently he was promoted for his efforts. Way to go, Dad!
Here are my two youngest siblings, Darlene (nine) and Arlo (twelve). Don't let this idyllic picture fool you; they're usually at each other's throats.
Yeah, like that.
Both of them are pretty good kids when they're not trying to kill each other.
This is my other sister Lisa doing what she does best: trying to get out of hot water. She...has issues. I don't know what happened between last year and now, but she's become very self-centered and has gotten in trouble more than once for stealing. She's my sister and I will always love her, but right now she's not the easiest person to be around.
To make things even more interesting, three months ago Mom and Dad made the announcement that another sibling was on the way.
Yep, Mom is pregnant. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. Mom has been wanting another child for quite some time, and since both she and Dad have slimmed down they've been a lot more...cuddly...lately. (That just conjured up a mental image that I didn't necessarily want.) Arlo and Darlene are taking it well and actually seem excited about it. Lisa is, well,
Lisa. (In other words, she doesn't really care.)
So yes, long story short, I have a LOT of family.
Recently though, there has been someone else on my mind. See...I met this girl at school...
Yes I know what you're thinking. “He's a seventeen-year-old male, of course he's thinking about a girl.” You couldn't possibly be more wrong. This is far more than just a physical attraction (don't get me wrong though, she is gorgeous). She has a beautiful mind and a heart of gold, things that are worth far more to me than just a pretty face. The more I talk to her, the more I get to know her, it seems the more I am attracted to her. Best of all, the feeling seems to be mutual; she called me last night to ask me out. Words simply cannot describe how amazing that made me feel.
I'm not ashamed to admit it...I'm head-over-heels in love with Holly Alto.
I can't wait until Friday night...
(Author's Note: Y'know, Jack and Judy Bunch don't look half bad once they lose a bit of weight and start wearing better clothes.)